Christmas bird count needs spotters

Through Jan. 5, thousands of bird enthusiasts across the nation will be armed with binoculars and spotting scopes to count birds in specific circular-shaped areas. Initiated in 1900, the Christmas Bird Count is probably the oldest wildlife survey in existence. In Massachusetts, 33 "circles" in the state are peopled with teams of birders, naturalists, scientists and families who brave the elements to count the variety and number of bird species spotted within their group's assigned circle. Wildlife agencies and other conservation organizations use data collected in this wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations and to help guide conservation action. To join a local group, visit www.massbird.org. If your backyard bird feeder is within a CBC circle, you can report the birds you see to your local CBC coordinator.